Frequently Asked Questions

How did Hogs for the Cause get started?

In 2009, Hogs for the Cause hosted a pig roast to raise money for a boy named Ben Sarrat. Li’l Ben had been diagnosed with an incurable form of brain cancer. In that first year, roughly 200 people showed up to watch a pig turn slowly on a spit and raise money to help Ben’s family. Fast-forward a few short years (eight years and counting), and Hogs for the Cause is now one of the largest barbecue competitions and music festivals in the country. Our charitable purpose remains the same: helping families fighting pediatric brain cancer.

Can I donate directly to Hogs for the Cause without going to the event?

Yes. You can make direct donations to Hogs for the Cause online or by mail. Visit our DONATIONS page for more details. To mail a donation directly to Hogs for the Cause, send checks to P.O. Box 792300, New Orleans, LA 70179. Remember: Your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent as allowed by the IRS.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. Hogs For The Cause is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which means your donations are tax deductible to the full extent as allowed by the IRS. Visit our DONATIONS page for more details.

How do I register my team to compete?

Registration for teams opens in October and registration must be completed online. You must fill out the form and pay your site fee and cleanup deposit when you register. Click the REGISTER tab at the top of the page and select “Team Registration” in the dropdown for more details.

How much are tickets and where can I buy them?

Tickets go on sale online in December. In the past, we have sold out of Boss Hog tickets weeks before the event, so please plan accordingly. Visit our Buy Tickets page for more information about the different types of tickets and to, you know, buy tickets.

If I leave the event, can I re-enter at a later time?

Re-entry is only allowed if you’re holding a Boss Hog ticket. (Membership has its privileges, you know.) You cannot re-enter if you buy a general admission ticket.

How do I get there?

In 2017, the festival will be located at the grounds behind the UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Avenue.

From Uptown, take Claiborne Avenue to the I-10E ramp toward Slidell. Take Exit 237 for Elysian Fields Avenue. After 3 miles, take a right onto Leon C. Simon Drive, then a left onto Franklin Avenue. Parking will be on your right.

From Downtown, take the I-10E ramp toward Slidell. Take Exit 237 for Elysian Fields Avenue. After 3 miles, take a right onto Leon C. Simon Drive, then a left onto Franklin Avenue. Parking will be on your right.

Two parking lots are available behind the arena.

We strongly encourage using ride sharing, such as Lyft and Uber to get to the festival grounds.

Where should I park?

From Franklin Avenue, there will be two parking lots, one on either side of the arena.

We also encourage using ride-share programs like Uber and Lyft.

Do the competing barbecue teams sell samples of food?

Every team sells food, while their supplies last. Teams do sell out, so we strongly encourage a “get there early, eat everything” plan of attack. Every team prices their own samples, and most teams charge $2 to $6 for dishes. To pay for the food, you can drop Hoggy Dollars (tickets sold at Hoggy Dollar Booths on the festival grounds) into the competitor’s piggy bank.
If you’re still hungry, we also have several independent food vendors, including vegetarian options, around the festival grounds.

What are the competition categories?

The 2017 contest will have four main judged food categories: Pork Ribs, Boston Butt/Pork Shoulder, Whole Hog, and Porkpourri. In order to be considered for the “Grand Champion” title, a team must enter at least three of the four above food categories and raise at least $4,000.00 in Fundraising. In addition to the food categories, teams may compete in the remaining lagniappe categories also.

Judging expertise provided by Memphis Barbecue Network.

Are there accommodations for guests with disabilities?

Hogs for the Cause provides accessible entrances for guests with disabilities at the main entrance of the festival grounds. Parking spaces for guests with disabilities are available in the main parking lot. Seating for guests with disabilities is available at the event. Please call (504) 304-9403 with questions or to purchase accessible seats.

Do you have ATMs?

Yes, ATMs are on site. Please note: there is a small usage fee added to every transaction.

I’m vegetarian. Is there food for me, too?

Yes. Although our competing teams generally only offer meat-based dishes, we also have vegetarian food vendors selling all day at the event.

Can I buy tickets at the front gate?

Yes. General Admission tickets cost $30, Boss Hog tickets cost $300 at the gate on the day of event.

Please note: the 2-day PassPork is only available online, before the day of the event and while supplies last. (You get our drift? These passes sell out quickly.)

What if it rains?

Here’s an historical fact: it rarely rains during Hogs for the Cause. But even if it does rain, the show goes on. Hogs for the Cause happens RAIN or SHINE.

What can I bring to the festival grounds?

Please do not bring outside food and beverages, weapons of any kind, explosives, fireworks, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, and unauthorized video, camera, or audio recording equipment. We also do not allow pets or other live animals.

If you have any questions about bringing medical necessities, please e-mail us at [email protected].

Can I bring my pet dog/cat/snake/bird/monkey?

You have no idea how much it pains us to say this, but … no. In the past, we have allowed small pets, but due to the growth of the event and the potential for problems, we do not allow pets animals of any nature. Not even a friendly iguana. We feel your pain. Gus and Penny, the official Hogs Basset Hounds, have been giving us the droopy stink-eye since we made this rule.

What items are prohibited at the event?

Oh, you know, the typical stuff. Please do not bring outside food and beverages (c’mon people, it’s a fundraiser not a freeloadin’ picnic), pets or animals, weapons of any kind, explosives, fireworks, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia (because we know that prescription for “glaucoma” is bogus), and unauthorized video, camera, or audio recording equipment.